Robert Schwabe

"Chronic liver disease cause nearly two million deaths per year worldwide. The accumulation of collagen, leading to liver scarring (liver fibrosis) represent a main determinant of outcomes in patients with chronic liver disease. The accumulation of collagen and development of liver fibrosis is mediated by a specific liver cell types, called ‘hepatic stellate cells’. Here, we demonstrate that hepatic stellate cells not only mediated pathogenic functions but that their main function in the healthy liver lies in the positive regulation of key liver functions, such as regeneration, protection from injury and promotion of metabolism. These protective stellate cells functions are lost in progressive liver disease. Our studies indicate that restoration of protective stellate cell function may represent a novel therapeutic approach for patients with chronic liver disease."